Fiorentina close in on Zirkzee loan as United target Freiburg striker Matanovic

Manchester United are facing a significant reshuffle in attack before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, with Joshua Zirkzee reportedly on the verge of a loan departure and a new striker target identified to fill the void.

Fiorentina are said to be in advanced negotiations over a £4.2 million loan deal for Zirkzee, with an option to make the move permanent next summer, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. The 25-year-old has managed just nine goals in 75 appearances for United since joining from Bologna for £36.5 million in 2024, and has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth under manager Michael Carrick. Fiorentina view the Dutch forward as an ideal successor to Moise Kean, who is set to join Como, though Juventus are also said to be interested in Zirkzee as they look to offload Jonathan David.

With Zirkzee potentially heading out the door, United have been linked with a move for Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic as a replacement. The 23-year-old Croatia international scored 15 goals in all competitions for the German club last season, having joined Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt the previous summer. Gazzetta reports that United are competing with Tottenham Hotspur for Matanovic’s signature, while Fiorentina are also weighing up what has been described as an “ambitious” approach for the striker.

Carrick’s squad currently has Benjamin Sesko as the primary recognised centre-forward, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha capable of filling in but not considered natural number nines. The need for additional firepower has been underlined by United’s opening defeat to Hull City, which exposed the squad’s lack of depth in attack.

United’s transfer activity this summer has so far centred on midfield, with Carlos Baleba the most notable recent addition. The club now appear to be turning their attention to the forward line in the final days of the window, with both an exit and an arrival potentially in the works.